Material Analytics
Microstructure

Main activity

Within the structure of the Center for Engineering Materials, the field of competence “Microstructure” takes the place of a central competence and service center for preparative, and optical and electron microscopic tasks.

The competence field focuses on macroscopic and microscopic examinations, metallographic microsection preparation and optical microscopic microstructure examination and evaluation, microfractographic examination of crack and fracture surfaces, examination of surfaces, and small load and microhardness testing.

The field of competence “Microstructure” is instrumental in conducting failure analyses as well as microscopic analyses as part of the research activities at the Center for Engineering Materials.

In this context, the structure-property relationship forms a focal point. The knowledge of material microstructure forms the basis of the phenomenologically based material and component characterization towards a mechanism-based understanding of the relationship between (process – ) structure – property of materials and material systems.

The field of activity is comprised of in particular:

The macro- and microphotography group deals with macroscopic and microscopic examination and documentation. Based on the findings of macro- and microphotography, the planning of further examination steps takes place.

In the materialography group, sections of metallic and ceramic materials as well as composites and plastics are prepared. If it is necessary for finding the answer, a target preparation is carried out. The possibilities of optical microscopic examination of sections include microstructure evaluation as well as quantitative image analysis according to DIN/EN/ASTM with regard to phase fractions, grain sizes, porosity, graphite classification etc.

The scanning electron microscopy group is concerned with the microfractographic examination of cracks and fracture surfaces as well as the examination of fine and very fine (surface) structures. Non-conductive materials can also be examined without vapor deposition. The crack and fracture surface examination is used to determine the type of damage, the starting point and the cause. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) is available for qualitative and quantitative analyses starting with the element boron.

Hardness tests according to Vickers can be performed in the working range of small load and micro hardness tests with a test load of 0.09807 N (corresponds to HV 0.01) to 98.07 N (corresponds to HV 10). Thus, the hardness can be determined locally on individual microstructural components as well as globally on the component. Vickers hardness tests including hardness (depth) curves can be performed according to all common standards (DIN/EN).